In a neighborhood known for its historic charm and layered architecture, a recently reimagined townhouse stands out—not only for its grandeur, but for its clarity of vision. Redesigned by Elizabeth Roberts Architects, this Greenwich Village home transforms the traditional townhouse layout into something cohesively modern, luminous, and livable.
At the heart of the transformation is a radical rethinking of how the home engages with its surroundings. The classic New York stoop is gone—removed years ago—but Roberts saw this as an opportunity rather than a loss. She leaned into the street-level entry, creating a double-height foyer that opens directly into the living spaces and brings the rear garden into daily life.
“The original stoop was removed years ago—however I’d argue that the experience of entering the house now is better and more impressive than ever,” Roberts explains. “Entering into the open and spacious double-height entry feels like a breath of fresh air after entering from the street… the rear garden and the garden level are woven into the everyday experience of the house in a unique way.”
This integration of architecture and landscape—a signature of Roberts’ work—elevates the sense of openness. The fluidity of the house reinforces the harmony between indoors and out.
Upstairs, light draws you through the home. Historic skylights—carefully preserved and celebrated—bathe the top floor in natural sunlight, transforming what might have been an attic-like afterthought into a surprising sanctuary. A bright living area with a bar anchors the front, while a sun soaked gym occupies the rear—each space designed for both ease and elevation.
“The top level of the house is unusually spacious and bright... There are two large historic skylights in both the front and rear rooms,” Roberts says. “That level provides another space for gathering at the front of the house in a large and bright family room with bar, and the gym at the rear is also brightly lit and a great place to be even on the nicest of days.”
As with much of Roberts’ work, this home displays thoughtful minimalism and respect for the building’s bones. Materials are natural and tactile. Spaces feel generous but never oversized. And every detail, from the staircase placement to the rhythm of the windows, contributes to a quiet, grounded elegance.
This is not just a townhouse—it’s a study in spatial intelligence. A reminder that the most meaningful renovations aren’t about grandeur, but about atmosphere, flow, and the way light can shape how we live.